The week in Westminster

This week's three-day sitting featured a rare joint session of the Commons and Lords as MPs and peers listened to an address by French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Mr Sarkozy, on his first state visit to Britain since taking office last year, praised the British parliament for its pioneering nature and said the UK was a "benchmark" in democracy.

His speech urged the establishment of a new "entente amicable" between France and Britain which could be used to strengthen the European Union and push the US in the right direction on issues like climate change and trade.

Mr Sarkozy received a standing ovation from MPs and peers when he concluded: "Long live Franco-British friendship."

PMQs: Economic competence

Gordon Brown was pushed hard on economic competence by David Cameron in this week's prime minister's questions. The Tories are now pressing relentlessly on the issue as Britain descends into an economic slowdown, leaving Mr Brown struggling to justify why he failed to better prepare Britain for the grim outlook.

Other Westminster news

Constitutional reforms

Justice secretary Jack Straw set out the government's plans for constitutional reform on Tuesday. Among the measures removing the ban on protests around parliament, a greater say for MPs in declaring war and a raft of actions designed to boost voter turnout in elections. MPs tentatively endorsed the draft constitutional reform bill.

Iraq inquiry

Tuesday's session also saw the Conservatives using their latest opposition day to call for an inquiry into the war in Iraq. The Tories narrowly lost the vote by 299 to 271 but more than halved the government's majority of 67. Mr Brown has said an inquiry will take place at some stage in the future but believes, with UK troops still serving in the country, it should be postponed for now.

Embryo bill

The prime minister was in more concessionary mood when it came to the embryo bill
currently going through parliament. He announced this week MPs would be allowed a free vote on its most controversial parts but insisted the government was determined to push it through parliament. Our analysis suggested the timing of the announcement would do little to dispel his reputation as a ditherer, as it comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Next week in the Commons

The final four days of the current session before the April recess look set to be busy ones for MPs. The housing and regeneration bill is expected to clear its remaining stages on Monday. Tuesday will have an international feel, with both Darfur and Tibet up for debate in Westminster Hall, but the headlines are likely to be focused on the second reading of the counter-terrorism bill in the Commons. Liberal Democrats are planning motions on Heathrow and the economy in their opposition day on Wednesday before the House adjourns on Thursday.